Texas Storm Cleanup Begins

May 26, 1986|United Press International

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Residents Sunday cleaned up damage from a storm that killed six people, flooded streets and houses, knocked out power, collapsed the roof of a crowded bowling alley and plunged victims into a ``state of torment.``

Six deaths and 19 injuries were blamed on the storm, which packed 95-mph wind gusts and heavy rain and hail as it moved across Fort Worth on Saturday afternoon. Hail drifts two feet deep were reported in some areas.

The entire city was ``a sight of massive chaos`` and a number of residents were still experiencing power failure Sunday, said fire department spokesman Butch Hall.

``We have received about 800 service calls asking for help in water drainage, roof repairs, and other services that the Fire Department normally does not face,`` Hall said.

Texas Electric Service Co. service lines were still jammed Sunday afternoon, and customers were told to anticipate waits of up to three hours to reach company officials.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms continued to move across the state Sunday.

A mother and her 7-year-old son drowned when their car was washed away on a flooded street. Nineteen others were injured when the roof of a bowling alley packed with 300 people participating in a state tournament caved. Four died of heart attacks emergency officials believe were brought on by the storm.